Daniel J Burkard, 69, Willow River, formerly of Lakeville, died suddenly on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at his home.  He grew up in Red Wing, Sandstone, and later Rosemount where he attended Rosemount High School graduating in 1972.  Daniel attended St. Thomas where he played football and the University of Minnesota where he attained his Doctorate Degree.  Dan, whom was also known as "Dr. Dan" and "Burky" to his colleagues, spent several years in both emergency care and urgent care as an MD.  He worked for a number of hospitals and clinics including: Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, United Hospital in St. Paul and Regina Hospital in Hastings.  Dan later worked at District One Hospital in Faribault, Community Memorial Hospital and MedExpress in Cloquet.  He had also worked as a Medical Director and Physician on site for Canterbury Park in Shakopee where he met his wife, Jennifer.  After a 20 year courtship, Daniel married Jennifer Lacey on June 1, 2018 in Las Vegas.  Daniel lived in Lakeville for over 30 years and had recently moved to Willow River in 2024.
Dan loved his children and grandchildren and enjoyed coaching their sports through the years.  Old Westerns and sports easily entertained him.  He also liked horse racing and treasured his 2022 trip to the Kentucky Derby.  Daniel loved his dogs, Cisco and Shadow.
He was preceded in death by his daughter: Megan Burkard and parents: Harold and Jean Burkard.
Daniel will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Jennifer Lacey; three children: Erin Burkard, Brett (Stephanie) Burkard, and Joe Burkard; two grandchildren: Jackson and Brooks; brother: Tom Burkard; sister: Lisa Hartwig; mother-in-law: Dawn Dehmer; and numerous family, friends, and colleagues.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 5-8 pm in White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, March 15, 2024 at 11 am in Church of St. Joseph, 13900 Biscayne Ave W., Rosemount, MN with a visitation one hour prior to Mass at the church.  Burial will follow Mass in St. Joseph Cemetery, Rosemount.
Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.